Ephesians 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are
ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
It is as if Paul gave a list to remind us of the works of
darkness in the previous verses (fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking,
jesting, whoremonger, idolatry). He exhorts the believer to no longer partake
in these sins (vs. 7), as if we were still living in darkness.
"For
we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers
lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one
another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That
being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou
affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus
3:3-8)
Paul does not ignore the past, however he compares the
past to the salvation and light of Jesus Christ. We were in darkness, but now that Christ has freed us from sin and
darkness, we are to walk according to His light.
Ephesians 5:9
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all
goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Unlike the works of darkness, the fruit of the Spirit is
goodness, righteousness, and truth - all attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned,
and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with
you." (Philippians 4:8-9)
To now walk in this light that we've been given, we must
learn more of Christ. We must cleanse our hearts to "think on these
things." The fruit of the Spirit reveals the work of Christ in our lives.
If we don't have these fruits, it is doubtable that we are truly walking in the
Spirit.
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